Six candidates for Hinchey’s seat

TWENTY-SECOND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, NY — Congressman Maurice Hinchey’s district, which stretches from Poughkeepsie to Ithaca, may not be recognizable after this year because of the redistricting process now underway. But that has not stopped four Democratic and two Republican candidates from tossing their hats into the ring.

Most recently, Hinchey’s aide Dan Lamb expressed a desire to fill his boss’ shoes. Lamb said on his website, danlambforcongress.com, “For the past 14 years, I have dedicated myself to public service and to the idea that our government should work for all Americans, not just the wealthiest 1%. I strongly believe that we cannot overcome the tough economic challenges we face without experienced leaders who are ready to get things done. I know I can provide that leadership, and I’m ready to build on Congressman Hinchey’s legacy as a progressive champion for our part of New York.”

Also preparing for the contest is Sean Patrick Maloney, although an Internet search did not turn up a campaign website. Maloney is a former aide to Governor David Paterson and Governor Eliot Spitzer. He is a resident of New York City, but also reportedly owns property in Sullivan County with his partner Randy Florke. His filing lists a campaign address as one in Jeffersonville.

Another Democrat, Leslie Danks Burke, a lawyer from New York City who moved to Ithaca four years ago, has announced that she will run for the seat. A statement on her website says, “Leslie is committed to representing this region whether she is running for a vacant seat or against an incumbent Republican. ‘We are losing a great advocate with Congressman Maurice Hinchey’s retirement, and we must ensure that our region keeps a Democratic seat at the table.’” She is currently chairwoman of the Town of Ithaca Democratic Party.

And finally on the Democratic side of the picture, former federal prosecutor Julian Schreibman is making a run for the office, and he has relinquished his seat as the head of the Ulster County Democratic Committee in order to do so. At his website, www.julianforny.com[2], Schreibman said: “Now, more than ever, our communities need strong, independent voices in Washington to resist demands for special treatment by the powerful and the privileged. I’m running for Congress to carry on Maurice Hinchey’s efforts for the people of our communities.”

On the Republican side, George Phillips, who ran twice against Hinchey and last time around lost by only four percentage points, has said he is interested in another run. A note on his website, electgeorgephillips.com, reads, “We have remained active on the campaign trail and in touch with our many supporters. And with them, we anxiously await the results of redistricting.”

Tom Engel a former assistant U.S. attorney, and a part-time resident of Ulster County, is also seeking the seat.
On his website, tomengelforcongress.com, he said, “For far too long, Congressman Hinchey has been an eager sponsor of an agenda that is out of step with the citizens of the 22nd Congressional District and ruinous for the country and the State of New York.” He also said he does not know what the district will look like after redistricting, but he is “in it for keeps.”

After 10 terms in Congress, Hinchey announced last month that he would not seek another term this fall.